COMMENTARY

Australia won by 281 runs | Australia Vs England 5th Test

What an amazing Ashes series this has been. We've had a great time covering all the 5 games even though we had to come well before sunrise in the winter in India. We were absolutely thrilled to bring you the series. Michael Clarke joins Warwick Amrstrong (1920-21) and Ricky Ponting (2006-07) to become the third captain in Ashes history to complete a 5-0 whitewash. This also helps Australia gain two places to third in the ICC Test rankings while England drop one place to fourth. Hopefully, there are a lot of a riveting games to follow in the cricketing calendar. Cya on another occasion. Until then, on behalf of Srivatsha, Akshay, Deva, Mani, this is Ramki signing off, take care, adios!

Harsha Bhogle: in years to come this generation of youngsters will talk about mitchell johnson the way ours did about Jeff thomson

BBC TMS: Mitchell Johnson has the most Test wickets by an Australian in a 5 match #Ashes series in Australia#Ashes

Jason Gillespie: This Australian bowling attack has been utterly ruthless. One of the very best collective performances you will EVER see! #Ashes2013/14

Alternative Cricket: Cook has been listless, reactive, and a non-entity in the field. You wouldn't know who's captain! #Ashes

Matthew Hayden: Ben Stokes is the only POM I would pay money to go watch this summer in #Ashes Really good talent and a nice positive for English Cricket

Geoff Lemon: Haddin passes Gilchrist's record for the most runs - 473 - in a series by a keeper batting outside the top six. #Ashes

Some views from the twitter world: Graeme Fowler: As an England fan I'm upset at this series.As a coach I'm upset at some basic techniques, but desire to deal with adversity most telling.

Ben Stokes: If ever there was a beacon of light in a dark winter for England, it had to be the Durham all-rounder, Ben Stokes. On atesting boucy surface at Perth, the young tyro, summoning vast reserves of courage constructed 120 in the fourth innings at Perth to salvage some pride for the visitors. Nobody expected Stokes to shine but he surmounted all odds to make the only century in this rubber for the forlorn visitors. Many former English cricketers have already earmarked him as the new Freddie Flintoff. He was also the lone saving grace in the three day hammering at Sydney that culminated in the whitewash. He garnered 8 wickets including a 6-fer in the first innings, triggering off an Aussie lower order collapse. The young turk showcased his big hitting prowess in England's second gig with an entertaining 32. During the process, Stokes became the 8th player to take 15 Test wickets in addition to hitting 200+ runs in a debut series.

Brad Haddin: Hardly has the world witnessed a such an impactful performance from a keeper-batsman since the retirement of Adam Gilchrist. Haddin's heroics in this Ashes was such that he usurped his predecessor to tally the most runs ever by an Australian keeper-batsman in this series. Every time Australia found themselves in a world of trouble after a top-order wobble, Brad Haddin was out there to pull off a Houdini-like rescue act, while simultaneously inspiring his partners, to put Australia in firm command. Australia's scores when Haddin came out to face the music are are as follows: 100-5, 294-5, 257-5, 143-5, 331-5, 112-5, 97-5 and 200-5. Haddin's scores in this series, which read 94, 53, 118, 55, 5, 65, 75 and 28 tell us the story. The old warhorse's keeping skills were no less impressive, he was in rich form that he would have even caught an aeroplane. No wonder, he boasted of 50 dismissals with both Ashes combined. In the post match celebrations, Haddin rubbished talks of retirement, saying that he was hungry for more. Watch out South Africa.

This Ashes series cannot be ended without describing the performaces of these three players, especially Haddin and Johnson. We've written a few snippets on them. Mitchell Johnson: Adversity causes some to break down and others to break records. Given the cold shoulder for the Ashes in England in early 2013, Mitch worked rigorously on his fitness and bounced back with a bang, plucking as many as 37 wickets in the return leg of the Ashes, the most by a left-arm bowler in any 5-match series. Steaming in at full tilt, the mustachioed marauder instilled bone-chilling fear into the English batting. Ask Alastair Cook. Ask Kevin Pietersen. Arguably, he tore open the portal to the Lillee- Thomson era, peppering the Poms with a slew of furious bouncers. Among the three lethal 5-fers he claimed, the one that stood out was his 7/40 at Adelaide that saw him sit twice on a hat-trick. Fittingly, he was rewarded with the Man of the series award.

And the Aussie coach expressed his views as well. Darren Lehmann: 'No, the scenes were a bit different (on asked of the reponse to the previous Ashes). The support has been great. Obviously I was talking about old school, good hard Aussie cricket. We thank all the people, support-staff who have turned out. Yeah, I am really pleased at what they have taken on board. Our plans and bowling execution was perfect. It was flawless, barring a couple of hours in Perth. We know we have to improve each and every day. Hopefully, this is the start of good things to come. Play cricket obviously (on enquired about the preparation for South Africa). We have done fantastically for 4 games, we had to get them (bowlers) up for this Test. The key for us is to make everybody fit and go to South Africa. Nathan was good. He has done very well this series. He picked up 5 wickets in Melbourne. It is important to keep improving'.

Lyon: 'It's the first time, lot of emotion. To beat England 5-0 is an unbelievable feeling. 5-0 is fantastic. Definitely, playing five Tests in a row and it's a great feeling. I am over the moon right now. Winning on Jane McGrath day is special'.

Haddin: 'It was a great habit we started there at Brisbane. We were always going to have a crack today. The feeling is outstanding. Credit goes to everybody. Everthing has happened so fast. The brand of cricket we played was outstanding, we wanted to keep the game going forward. I am comfortable with the environment at the moment. Darren (Lehmann) has got nervousness off the dressing room. It is about getting better as a Test team and we are moving forward. This is too good a feeling (quashing all doubts of his rumored retirement). This is a great way to top it off in front of the SCG'.

Smith: 'That's right, to see the pink in the crowd. 5-0 to end it today. How good is that? I am shaking at the moment, we did not think at the start of series. It is an amazing feeling. I felt good from ball one. We posted a pretty good total. The bowlers then did the job. It's going to be a couple of good nights. I am shaking, yes, but looking forward to the team song'.

Bailey: 'Yeah the little helmet, that's the key, half survival skills and half luck (talking about his catch today of KP). Realistically, we wanted to get them 5 down by the end of the day. Things happened very quickly. It has been extraordinary. Picking up a wicket after every session was unbelievable. I think Steve Smith's 100 on Day 1 was particularly good. He got us on the front foot and it was unbelievable. Everywhere we go, the crowd support has been phenomenal'.

Harris: '5-0, what about that? This is unbelievable. We wanted to make sure we built the momentum in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.We kept it through the series. It's amazing we were able to do that. Here we are today. It's great. It's different, thats what we do (when asked of the team song). Finishing in three days, we did not expect. Yeah the knee got sorer, we are all doing this for the team'.

After the game, the Aussie players spoke to the Channel 9 commentators and here they are, one by one. Siddle: 'Everyone after Melbourne went straight to the physio and said they were fine. The way we played the last two games and finished it off was great. We wanted to get it done as quick as we could. It's an amazing feeling'.

The sudden departure of Graeme Swann ahead of the Boxing Day Test added to England's woes. No one expected him to retire mid-way and that too when his team was in dire straits. Stuart Broad has been the lone warrior with the ball for England. He bagged 21 wickets but lack of support at the other end meant, England couldn't capture key moments in a game. The fact that Ben Stokes, who played a game lesser than James Anderson, bagged one wicket more than the latter draws a clear picture as to how England were let down by their spearhead. Boyd Rankin was drafted into the squad for his pace and bounce but he hardly ever got a game. When he actually did, in the last game, a hamstring injury meant, he couldn't operate in full flow. At the end of it all, one has to say that this has to be one of England's most woeful performances in their cricketing history.

England: Nobody expected England to be this bad, especially after holding on to crucial moments and winning the home Ashes 3-0. Just when the team needed all the support, they lost a big player in Jonathan Trott as he pulled out of the tour due to mental illness. Captain Alastair Cook's form has been a big let down for the visitors. Considering that he scored 766 runs the last time when he was Down Under, his 246 runs across 5 games now doesn't say much, does it? What's more, he averaged 127 in 2010-11 while he could manage only 24 this time around. A lot of hopes were pinned on Kevin Pietersen as a senior member of the side, but the way he fell to Siddle, who's got him 10 times in Test cricket, doesn't tell a good story.

With hundreds from David Warner and Shane Watson, Australia scored aggressively, so much so that George Bailey hit James Anderson for 28 runs in an over. The cracks on the pitch really opened up and a target of 504 was too big a run chase for any side. England batted reasonably well, but could not save the game despite a brilliant hundred from Ben Stokes, the only Englishman to score a ton in the series. Johnson and Lyon shared 7 wickets between them as Australia regained the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 advantage in the series. Despite the Christmas break, England couldn't turn things around quickly. Having gained a first innings lead for the first time in the series, the tourists collapsed tremendously to the spin of Nathan Lyon and were bowled out for 179 meaning Australia needed 231 to go 4-0 up. Chris Rogers' hundred calmed the dressing room. Watson too joined the party with a fine fifty and the duo ensured that there were no more hurdles and Australia could sense a 5-0 win at Sydney. The feature of Australia in this series with the bat has been that they have found someone to bail them out of trouble. It was Steven Smith's fine hundred that gave Australia a respectable score. The England batsmen were a no match to the Aussie bowlers as Harris, Johnson and Siddle shared 3 wickets to knock them over for just 155. Riding on Rogers' second hundred of the series, Australia set them a target of 448. England could not handle the pressure and another collapse saw them being bowled out under two sessions, which meant Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash.

Series summary:Australia: Before the start of the series, no one thought Australia could win 5-0. Certainly not against an English side that won 3-0 back home just a few months ago. But Michael Clarke's story in this Ashes series has been simply amazing to watch. He first beat the visitors mentally at Brisbane before going on to bombard them with really quick short stuff and let Mitchell Johnson go berserk. The way England lost at the Gabba set the tone for the rest of the series. A few days later at Adelaide, Australia were able to post a massive total on the board before Johnson rattled England again. He recorded figures of 7/40 and handed a massive 398-run lead to his side. Clarke wanted to bat the visitors out of the game and he did not enforce the follow-on. A target of 531 was almost an impossible task for this England side. Eventually, the hosts went on to win by 218 runs and go 2-0 up in the series. All eyes were glued on Mitchell Johnson as the action then shifted to Perth, a place known for its pace and bounce. Steven Smith bailed Australia out of trouble and got them a good first innings total on the board. England were off to a very good start in their first effort and one thought, the English were finally going to turn it around. However, the Aussie bowlers came back in style and bowled England out for 251, who were 85/0 at one stage.

Ben Stokes and debutant Gary Ballance seemed to have steadied the ship for a while but Lyon came back to find the latter's outside edge. Stokes and Bairstow battled for a while but once the former was dimissed by Siddle, it was just a mere formality for Australia to wrap up the England innings and they eventually had a handy 171-run first innings lead. In reply, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals but Chris Rogers anchored the innings and scored a magnificent hundred. With a little support from George Bailey and Brad Haddin lower down the order, he was able to stretch his side's lead past 400. England were set a mammoth target of 448 with over 2 days to go in the Test match but as expected, they looked very fragile at the crease. Cook, Bell and Pietesen, the most experienced batsmen in the side, fell cheaply to expose the middle order. Australia turned the heat on immediately after the tea break and picked up 4 wickets in a space of 11 balls. Harris came on to remove the tail quickly and help Australia seal the series 5-0.

Match summary: So how crucial was that hundred from Steven Smith on Day 1? England did really well to reduce Australia to 97/5 on the first morning after opting to bowl on an overcast morning. That's when Brad Haddin joined Smith at the crease and the duo batted with absolutely no trouble whatsoever. Haddin made 75 before ending his 128-run stand with Smith but the latter continued and went on to make a sensational 115. Eventually, the hosts were bowled out for 326 and England had to see off a tricky final few overs just before stumps. However, the start with the bat wasn't all that great for them as Johnson had Carberry caught brilliantly down the leg side by Lyon. The second morning was a bit better for batting in terms of the weather as the sun was out. But the Aussie bowlers were too hot to handle and were right on the money straightaway. Cook, Anderson, Pietersen and Bell went in quick succession. That meant the first five partnerships read, 6, 2, 6, 3, 6.

Shane Warne hands the Ashes replica Urn to Clarke. Warne hints at running away with the Urn intially but he throws it back to Clarke and his boys later. The Australian team go on to the dias and join their captain. The celebrations go berserk as they sing '5-nil, 5-nil, 5-nil' while posing for the photographers. The entire team, including the support staff join the players and celebrate the moment. Great scenes out there at the SCG.

Clarke: 'It's an extremely special occasion for me. First and foremost, the support we got from Australia has been unbelievable, thanks for all the support we got from everyone it's been fantastic. Probably not 5-0, that's for sure (when asked, before the start of the series, if his side thought they could win the Ashes). I think, I kept saying throughout the England series, they the boys will get their rewards for the effort they have put in behind the scenes. But it's just that it has taken a bit more time and I think this result is a great reward for all the efforts. I had a brief conversation to the bowlers and I remember saying these three are the best bowlers in the World right now and Lyon certainly complements them. I think we've got the best attack in the world now. Alastair and the England team deserve a lot of credit too. There has not been a single game that I've played against England that's not been tough. They've played extremely well. They've got a bit of criticism in this series but they deserve the credit. They are a wonderful team. They've been number one before for no reason.'

Cook: 'It's obviously very tough to be beaten in all five games that you've played. As a sportsman that's the hardest thing to take but at the end of the day we weren't good enough. Yeah, I mean, obviously we weren't good enough to turn it around. We tried to do our bit but credit to Michael and his boys for their show. They thoroughly deserved to win 5-0. When you hit the rock bottom, the only way is up. This happened to us in 2006, things turned around with a lot of hard work. We'll have to see where want to be, reassess and come back stronger. I just want to thank all our supporters. Sorry, we've let you down but thanks everyone for all the support.'

Johnson: 'That's something I want to cherish for the rest of my life. Yeah, it's very special. Very, very happy. We didn't expect to be 5-0 up here. I would like to thank the crowd, the families and my wife for all the support. They tried to take me out of the game but that's just part of the game (with regards to Barmy Army's taunts). I think the way we started the series, where all went to plan, we started aggressively, that's where it started to happen and we are a very happy bunch. Haddin is definitely an old man (laughs). He's comeback really well and like I said, we did really well as a team.'

Mitchell Johnson is the Man of the Series for his 37 wickets.

Harris: 'It has been a great turnaround. We knew we were quite close in England but to come here and win 5-0 in just amazing. I did believe that we could win this series 5-0. We did very well as a team. We are a close group, especially the bowlers. We help each other out and ensure that we execute the plans. It's up to the selectors now to pick me for the ODIs. I am happy with my performances at this moment.'

Ryan Harris is the Man of the Match for his match figures of 8/61 and 35 with the bat.

Presentation time...

The Australian team go on a lap of honour waving to the crowd.

Gee! England have lost all 100 wickets this series. Take that! Such has been the dominance of the Aussies. Three down at the Tea break, England would have hoped to delay the inevitable by one day but Mitchell Johnson was right on the money in the very first over after the break. He removed Michael Carberry and Gary Ballance in the same over before Nathan Lyon reduced the visitors to 95/7 with the wickets of Jonathan Bairstow and Scott Borthwick in the very next over. Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad batted aggressively for a while but Ryan Harris came back to remove both in quick succession. The SCG was on its feet anticipating a wicket any time to complete the whitewash and Boyd Rankin didn't make them wait too long. He nicked one off Harris to skipper Michael Clarke at second slip, who fittingly hung on to a good grab, threw the ball as high as he could to lead the celebrations.

Great scenes out there. The entire Australian team get into a huddle right on the pitch. Nathan Lyon leads them into the team song standing in the centre and they jump in joy. Mitchell Johnson grabs a stump. David Warner jumps onto the back of Brad Haddin and shouts, 'you beauty, you beauty!'. The players go around the ground alongside the boundary ropes. Clarke, Haddin acknowledge the cheer from the crowd. The entire team management get down to the ground and congratulate each other. Now the England team climb down the stairs and shake hands with the Australians.

31.4

Ryan Harris to Boyd Rankin

W

out Caught by Clarke!! That's it! Australia win 5-0. Only the third whitewash in Ashes history. Good length delivery outside off stump, Rankin slashes hard, gets a thick edge and Clarke holds on to a very good catch. The ball was travelling mind you, but Clarke did well to lean behind and take it with his fingers pointing up. That's a fifer for Ryano. Rankin c Clarke b R Harris 0(2)

5 wickets for Ryan Harris. Ryan Harris is killing ENG

10 wickets down for ENG. Out batsman is Boyd Rankin. It is all over for ENG.

31.3

Ryan Harris to Boyd Rankin

0

no run, no Rankin, if you are going to duck underneath a short ball, please keep your eye on the ball. Could have been nasty

Boyd Rankin, left handed bat, comes to the crease

31.2

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

W

out Bowled!! Broad's fun comes to an end. This was a fuller delivery on the stumps, Broad makes room and looks to go over the off-side but misses it completely and the ball hits the leg-stump. Australia one wicket away from a 5-0 victory. Broad b R Harris 42(36) [4s-3 6s-4]

31.1

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

6

SIX, Broad is just enjoying here, short delivery on the body, Broad swivels and pulls it over the man at fine leg, he just about clears the ropes

End of over 31 ( 15 Runs )

ENG 160/8

Stuart Broad* 36(34)

James Anderson 1(1)

30.6

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

1

1 run, too full and on off-stump, Broad clears his front leg and swats it down to long on

30.5

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

2

2 runs, drops this short and outside off, Broad goes back and punches it in the air wide of extra cover for a brace

30.4

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

6

SIX, floated around off, Broad gets down on his knees and slog sweeps it powerfully again over deep mid wicket. Lyon has to change his line here

30 runs for Stuart Broad

30.3

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, loopy delivery on the stumps, Broad presses forward and defends it

30.2

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

6

SIX, Lyon keeps throwing it up, Broad gets to the pitch of the ball and plays a good pick up shot over the deep mid wicket fence

150 runs for ENG

30.1

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, flighted on off, Broad goes back and blocks

End of over 30 ( 6 Runs )

ENG 145/8

Stuart Broad* 21(28)

James Anderson 1(1)

29.6

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

1

1 run, quick, sharp bouncer on the body, Broad gets his eyes off the ball and fends it awkwardly, the ball lobs off the shoulder of the bat just over the outstretched hands of Warner at gully

29.5

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

4

FOUR, banged in short again around off, Broad rocks back and pulls it nicely to the deep mid wicket fence

29.4

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

0

no run, bouncer outside off, Broad again does not make contact with the hook shot

29.3

Ryan Harris to Stuart Broad

0

no run, short delivery well down leg, Broad connects with air on the pull shot

29.2

Ryan Harris to James Anderson

1

1 run, back of a length ball on the body, Anderson hangs back and nudges it past short leg to get off strike

James Anderson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Clarke setting his field standing right next to Anderson

29.1

Ryan Harris to Ben Stokes

W

out Bowled!! One shot too many by Stokes. This was a good length ball around off, Stokes gives the charge and tries to go across the line, the ball takes the inside edge and crashes into middle and leg-stump. End of an entertaining innings from the most promising England player. Stokes b R Harris 32(16) [4s-3 6s-2]

3 wickets for Ryan Harris. Ryan Harris is on a roll.

Ryan Harris [8.0-4-13-2] is back into the attack

End of over 29 ( 12 Runs )

ENG 139/7

Stuart Broad* 16(24)

Ben Stokes 32(15)

28.6

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

6

SIX, Broad gets into the act now, this was again well tossed up on off-stump, Broad gets down on his knees and slog sweeps it all the way into the crowd at deep mid wicket

28.5

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, tad short and on the stumps, Broad stays in the crease and whips it to mid wicket

28.4

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

1

1 run, too full and on middle, Stokes comes forward and drives it to long on

28.3

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

0

no run, tossed up outside off, Stokes lets it go

28.2

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

4

FOUR, floated just outside off, Stokes chips down the track and lofts it inside out, one bounce into the deep extra cover fence. He has taken a liking to Lyon

30 runs for Ben Stokes

28.1

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

1

1 run, flighted on middle, Broad swipes it to mid wicket for a single

End of over 28 ( 5 Runs )

ENG 127/7

Stuart Broad* 9(21)

Ben Stokes 27(12)

27.6

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

1

1 run, back of a length delivery on leg-stump, Broad hops up and flicks it wide of the man at leg gully

27.5

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, banged in short and angling into the body, Broad gets away from the line and tries to glance it but does not get any bat on the way through to Haddin

27.4

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

4

FOUR, width provided from a good length, Broad stays on leg-stump and slices it away square of the wicket on the off-side, that was a get out of the jail shot from Broad

27.3

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, short delivery on off-stump, Broad backs away from the line and lets it thud into Haddin's gloves

27.2

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, bouncer on the stumps, Broad is hurried into ducking under it

27.1

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, full and targetting the stumps, Broad stays in the crease and pushes it back down the pitch

End of over 27 ( 20 Runs )

ENG 122/7

Ben Stokes* 27(12)

Stuart Broad 4(15)

26.6

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

0

no run, Lyon keeps tossing it up, Stokes blocks it towards point

26.5

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

6

SIX, bit too full from Lyon, Stokes clears his front foot and smacks it straight down the ground for the second six of the over.

26.4

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

0

no run, floated on middle, Stokes presses forward and blocks

26.3

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

4

FOUR, again some good use of the feet, flighted on around off, Stokes comes down the track and slams it down the pitch for another four, Lyon should have stopped that

26.2

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

6

SIX, tosses this up on off-stump, Stokes dances down the pitch and lofts it handsomely straight over the bowler for a maximum

26.1

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

4

FOUR, drops it short and outside off, Stokes goes on the back foot and punches it hard to the deep extra cover fence

End of over 26 ( 1 Runs )

ENG 102/7

Stuart Broad* 4(15)

Ben Stokes 7(6)

25.6

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, loud shout for LBW! This was a length delivery that nips back in, Broad is rooted to the crease and is rapped high on the pads, umpire Dar is unmoved with the appeal, Australia don't take the review, it looked to have been a bit too high

25.5

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Broad gets his bat away from the line and lets it pass

25.4

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, follows up with a slower one around off, Broad goes for the drive and is deceived by the lack of pace. This is some intelligent bowling from Johnson

25.3

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, short delivery on the body, Broad takes his eyes of the ball and is hit on the chest guard

25.2

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, good length delivery on off-stump, Broad prefers to stay back and push it towards cover

25.1

Mitchell Johnson to Ben Stokes

1

1 run, fuller and comes back in, Stokes drives it to mid-on, he goes for the single Broad was not too keen but in the end he takes it

Johnson just signals that it is going to be 5-0 to the Barmy Army

End of over 25 ( 5 Runs )

ENG 101/7

Stuart Broad* 4(10)

Ben Stokes 6(5)

24.6

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, this one goes straight on, Broad presses forward and defends it back to Lyon

24.5

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, flighted just outside off, Broad goes for the sweep again but this time he does not connect

24.4

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

4

FOUR, too full and on the stumps, Broad goes on his knees and sweeps it powerfully to the deep mid wicket fence

100 runs for ENG

24.3

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, much closer to the off-stump, Broad looks to defend but the ball beats the outside edge

24.2

Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad

0

no run, slows this up and gets it to turn away outside off, Broad watches it go into Haddin's gloves

24.1

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

1

1 run, Stokes goes for the sweep and the extra bounce takes the top edge and falls short of Johnson at backward square leg

End of over 24 ( 1 Runs )

ENG 96/7

Stuart Broad* 0(5)

Ben Stokes 5(4)

23.6

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, right in the blockhole, Broad manages to dig it out to gully

23.5

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, slower ball yorker that goes down the leg-side, Broad looks to play it but it is too far away for him to reach it

23.4

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, short delivery on the body, Broad goes up on his toes and knocks it to the off-side

23.3

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, back of a length delivery on middle, Broad hops up and fends it to the on-side

23.2

Mitchell Johnson to Stuart Broad

0

no run, tries to go for a inswinging yorker, but does not get the line right as it goes well down leg, Broad lets it go and a good take from Haddin

23.1

Mitchell Johnson to Ben Stokes

1

1 run, on a length around around off, Stokes pushes hard and gets it off the outside half of the bat to extra cover

Stuart Broad, left handed bat, comes to the crease

End of over 23 ( 5 Runs )

ENG 95/7

Scott Borthwick* 4(2)

Ben Stokes 4(3)

22.6

Nathan Lyon to Scott Borthwick

W

out Caught by Clarke!! A super catch from Clarke gets Lyon his second in the over. Another well flighted delivery on the stumps, Borthwick was shaping to play it on the leg-side, the ball turns to take the outside edge and goes low to the left of Clarke who dives and takes a brilliant one-handed catch. The game has changed in a matter of 11 balls. Borthwick c Clarke b Lyon 4(2) [4s-1]

22.5

Nathan Lyon to Scott Borthwick

4

FOUR, flatter and outside off, Borthwick goes back and punches it beautifully past extra cover, the timing takes it to the fence

Scott Borthwick, left handed bat, comes to the crease

22.4

Nathan Lyon to Jonathan Bairstow

W

out Caught by Bailey!! Lyon gets into the act now. This well tossed up delivery on the stumps, Bairstow prods forward to defend, the ball takes the inside edge and goes off the pads to Bailey at short leg who takes a good reflex catch. Australia well on course for a pinkwash. Bairstow c Bailey b Lyon 0(3)

22.3

Nathan Lyon to Jonathan Bairstow

0

no run, floated on leg-stump, Bairstow pulls out of the shot and the ball lobs off the pads to leg slip

22.2

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

1

1 run, flighted outside off, Stokes goes for the pull and has to wait as the ball does not arrive, he does well to adjust and nudge it with a flat bat to deep mid wicket

22.1

Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes

0

no run, slower and around off, Stokes has time to go back and block it

End of over 22 ( 3 Runs )

ENG 90/5

Jonathan Bairstow* 0(1)

Ben Stokes 3(1)

21.6

Mitchell Johnson to Jonathan Bairstow

0

no run, banged in short on the body, Bairstow gets inside the line and tucks it in the air, the ball falls just short of the man at leg gully. End of an eventful first over after tea

Jonathan Bairstow, right handed bat, comes to the crease

21.5

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

W

out Lbw!! Ballance will feel undone here. This was on a good length and on the stumps, the ball kept a bit low, Ballance stays rooted to the crease and is hit below the knee roll. That looked dead as it struck him. An easy decision for umpire Dar. He didn't even bother to ask his partner whether he should refer it. Ballance lbw b Johnson 7(27) [4s-1]

3 wickets for Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Johnson is on a roll.

5 wickets down for ENG. Out batsman is Gary Ballance

Ballance is out LBW. He does not review.

21.4

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

0

no run, length delivery on leg-stump again, Ballance hangs back and gets it off the pads to short leg

21.3

Mitchell Johnson to Ben Stokes

3

3 runs, tad short and on leg-stump, Stokes stays in the crease and clips it past a diving Smith at mid wicket

Ben Stokes, left handed bat, comes to the crease

21.2

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

W

out Caught by Haddin!! What was he thinking playing such a shot? This was short and well outside off, Carberry went for the cut away from the body and he only manages a nick through to Haddin who accepts it gleefully. Carberry throws away another start in the series. Looks like the end will be sooner than we thought. Carberry c Haddin b Johnson 43(63) [4s-8]

21.1

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

0

no run, short of length delivery on off, Carberry goes back and blocks

Mitch to resume...

Welcome back for the final session of the day. Australia will try and wrap it up today. Will England delay the inevitable? Here we go to find that out....

Carberry though overcame a scratchy start to add some respectability to the English score. When the ball was in his zone to be hit, he cashed in this afternoon instead of flittering it away. The other young turk Ballance was all at sea against Nathan Lyon. Can England bat out the final session? Join us at 15:30 Local Time to find out

In an attempt to step on the gas, the Aussies lost a flurry of late wickets. Australia were bowled out after the lunch break, the pacers, hunting in a pack, reduced England to 87-3. England's senior batsmen, Cook and KP failed yet again and now find their heads on the chopping block. Ian Bell too fell to an avoidable shot, late cutting a widish delivery to gully.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is Tea on the pink day at the SCG.

End of over 21 ( 5 Runs )

ENG 87/3

Gary Ballance* 7(25)

Michael Carberry 43(61)

20.6

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, quicker and turning past the lackadaisical prod of Ballance into the keeper's gloves

20.5

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, slower through the air on off, Ballance reaches out and drops it in front of silly-point

20.4

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

4

FOUR, pitched up and close to off, Ballance gets forward and drives it beautifully, the timing and placement carries it to the deep extra cover fence

20.3

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, 89.9 kph, quicker and outside off, Ballance defends it back to the bowler off the back foot

20.2

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, flighted delivery on off, Ballance lunges forward and smothers it

20.1

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

1

1 run, fuller on middle and leg, eased to long on

End of over 20 ( 12 Runs )

ENG 82/3

Gary Ballance* 3(20)

Michael Carberry 42(60)

19.6

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

0

no run, pacy back of a length ball on off, Ballance defends it back to the bowler

19.5

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

0

no run, slightly back of a length and just outside off, pushed to cover, who makes a diving stop to prevent any runs

19.4

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

0

no run, banged in short and down leg, prompting Ballance to take evasive action

19.3

Mitchell Johnson to Gary Ballance

2lb

leg byes, 2 runs, back of a length and sliding down leg, Ballance misses the glance, the ball brushes the thigh pad and travels to fine leg

19.2

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

1

1 run, length ball on the stumps, worked away through square leg

19.2

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

5nb

no ball, FOUR, Johnson ventures short and outside off, Carberry is late on the cut as he is beaten for pace, the result is an outside edge that evades slip and rolls to third man. To make matters worse, the umpire calls out Mitch for overstepping

19.1

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, top shot! This was speared full and on off, Carberry presses forward and drives it powerfully to the long off fence

Mitchell Johnson [4.0-1-20-1] is back into the attack

End of over 19 ( 2 Runs )

ENG 70/3

Gary Ballance* 3(16)

Michael Carberry 33(57)

18.6

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, a pearler from Lyon! This was a touch quicker and spinning past the outside edge of Balance. Lyon is literally turning it on at the SCG

18.5

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

2

2 runs, tossed up and turning away outside off, Ballance reaches out and seeks to drive, edges it past slip to third man

18.4

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, slower through the air on middle, blocked to short leg

18.3

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, on a length and quicker outside off, Ballance goes on the backfoot and defends it to the off-side

18.2

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, dug in outside off, Ballance cuts it meekly to point

18.1

Nathan Lyon to Gary Ballance

0

no run, beaten! Lyon gets this to rip past the prod of Ballance

End of over 18 ( 5 Runs )

ENG 68/3

Michael Carberry* 33(57)

Gary Ballance 1(10)

17.6

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, slightly back of a length ball angled in on off, Carbs streakily defends it back to the bowler without much feet movement

17.5

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

2

2 runs, on a length and outside off, Carberry takes advantage of the width on offer as he drives it wide of cover for a brace

17.4

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, back of a length ball angled in from round the wicket, Carberry goes on the back foot and dabs it in front of cover

17.3

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

2

2 runs, drifting on the pads, Carberry stays in the crease and clips it through square leg

30 runs for Michael Carberry

17.2

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, good length ball angled across, left well alone

17.1

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

1

1 run, back of a length delivery on the hips, turned to backward square leg for an easy single

End of over 17 ( 4 Runs )

ENG 63/3

Michael Carberry* 29(52)

Gary Ballance 0(9)

16.6

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, long hop outside off, swift and smart footwork from Carbs as he goes deep in the crease and crashes the cut to the deep extra cover fence. That should give him some confidence

16.5

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, quicker and on off, Carberry defends it just wide of slip

16.4

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, sustains the spin across Carberry, who plays inside the line before ignoring it

16.3

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, turning across the left-hander, who lifts his bat and lets it go

16.2

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, fullish and outside off, Carberry drives it well but cannot beat cover-point

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, fullish and outside off, Ballance shoulders arms

15.4

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, an enthusiastic appeal for leg before. Ballance is in trouble. Australia decline the challenge for a review. This was a length ball tailing in sharply to cannon onto the pads in front of off, Ballance misses the defence. The tracker shows the ball would have traveled over the off-stump

15.3

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, good length delivery just a shade outside off, Ballance steers it square on the off-side

15.2

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, good length ball on off, Ballance bunts it to the fielder at cover, who orchestrates a diving stop

15.1

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, length ball on the stumps, safely blocked

End of over 15 ( 2 Runs )

ENG 59/3

Michael Carberry* 25(46)

Gary Ballance 0(3)

14.6

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, spinning across the left-hander with soem extra bounce as well, Carbs ignores it

14.5

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

2

2 runs, Carberry skips down the track and mistimes the lofted shot over cover for a couple

14.4

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, marginally short and just outside off, cut to cover

14.3

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, outside off again, Carberry jerks his bat inside the line and lets it pass

14.2

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, spinning away well outside off, left alone

14.1

Nathan Lyon to Michael Carberry

0

no run, turn and extravagant bounce outside off, Carbs plays inside the line before pulling his bat in, DRS proves that there was no edge and Carberry is ready to resume his vigil

An animated appeal for caught behind. Erasmus says no. Haddin jumped for joy after gobbling that up. Clarke and Haddin have a discussion before the former goes for a belated review. There is nothing on Hot Spot, no signs of a nick either. Carbs lives on

Nathan Lyon, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

End of over 14 ( 0 Runs )

ENG 57/3

Gary Ballance* 0(3)

Michael Carberry 23(40)

13.6

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, Ballance looks to drive, the inside edge squirts to the leg-side

maiden over bowled by Ryan Harris

13.5

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, similar length and on off, pushed to mid-on

13.4

Ryan Harris to Gary Ballance

0

no run, pitched up on off, driven straight to the fielder at mid-on

Gary Ballance, left handed bat, comes to the crease

13.3

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

W

out Caught by Bailey!! What a corker of a catch from Bailey under the helmet. England are 3 down as their star batsman Kevin Pietersen wanders back to the dressing room, engulfed by shame. This was a slightly back of length ball nipping back in, KP looks to negotiate it with a defence, the ball loops off a thick inside edge over the head of Bailey, who back-pedals a step or two, plucks it with his right hand. Pietersen c Bailey b R Harris 6(10)

3 wickets down for ENG. Out batsman is Kevin Pietersen

13.2

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, very full and on off, Pietersen squeezes it out to mid-on

13.1

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, good length delivery on off, Pietersen lunges forward and drives it square on the off-side

End of over 13 ( 9 Runs )

ENG 57/2

Michael Carberry* 23(40)

Kevin Pietersen 6(7)

12.6

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, much better from Carbs. This was pitched up and outside off, Carberry brings out a gorgeous drive that races past a diving mid-off to the fence

12.5

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

2

2 runs, back of a length and on middle, Carberry camps in the crease and works it behind square on the on-side

12.4

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, Siddle continues to probe away outside off, Carbs hangs his bat out and gets beaten again

12.3

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, on a length and just outside off, dabbed down towards gully

12.2

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, outside edge but safe. This was good length delivery in the corridor, Carberry pokes, the outside edge is grazed but falls short of 2nd slip

12.1

Peter Siddle to Kevin Pietersen

3

3 runs, Siddle errs too full and straight, Pietersen leans and flicks it past the lone mid-wicket fielder for three

50 runs for ENG

End of over 12 ( 3 Runs )

ENG 48/2

Michael Carberry* 17(35)

Kevin Pietersen 3(6)

11.6

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, Carbs' bat is demolished. What is happening there at the SCG? This was a back of a length delivery on middle, Carberry defends it back to the bowler and watches his bat getting split into half. Bailey under the hemlet at bat-pad has a hearty laugh

11.5

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, on a length and on off, Carberry gets forward and mistimes the drive to the man at mid-on, who throws himself on the field and prevents a single

11.4

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, streaky from Carbs. This was also pitched up and outside off, Carbs tries a flashy drive in vain as the ball zips past the outside edge

11.3

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

3

3 runs, similar length but wider this time, Pietersen reaches for it and drives it through the gap, wide of cover to pick up three runs

11.2

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, No no is the loud cry from Pietersen as he drives this full ball on off straight to the fielder at mid-off

11.1

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, pitched up and nipping away outside off, Pietersen ignores it as the ball scuttles through to Haddin

After racking up a massive lead, the much feared Mitchell Johnson struck early to have a tentative Cook caught behind. Moments later, Bell, trying to bisect the tiny gap between slip and gully, late cut a Harris ball straight to Warner, stationed at gully. Where is the fight England? A 5-0 whitewash beckons.

End of over 11 ( 8 Runs )

ENG 45/2

Michael Carberry* 17(32)

Kevin Pietersen 0(3)

10.6

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, slightly back of a length and outside off, Carberry drags his bat inside the line in his own inimitable way and lets it pass to the keeper to usher Drinks

10.5

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, in the air but wide of to extra cover. This was a fuller length delivery on off, Carberry drives it uppishly and earns a boundary

10.4

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, back of a length again and on middle this time, Carberry goes on the back foot and defends it down the pitch

10.3

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, back of a length and on off, Carberry attempts another drive but the inside edge trickles to the leg-side

10.2

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, slightly back of a length and outside off, Carberry drives it behind point, he imparted enough impetus to get it to the fence. Warner hustles back and dives but in vain

10.1

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, length ball in the corridor, Carberry shoulders arms

End of over 10 ( 4 Runs )

ENG 37/2

Kevin Pietersen* 0(3)

Michael Carberry 9(26)

9.6

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, teasing length outside off, KP is in two minds whether to play or bail out. He is too late to withdraw his bat, the ball trickles off the edge just wide of third slip, who puts up a diving stop to prevent runs

9.5

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, 141.1 kph back of a length and outside off with some away movement, left alone

9.4

Ryan Harris to Kevin Pietersen

0

no run, slightly back of a length and on off, Pietersen defends it calmly

Kevin Pietersen, right handed bat, comes to the crease

9.3

Ryan Harris to Ian Bell

W

out Caught by Warner!! Ryano strikes in the first over of his new spell. In a matter of few months, Bell, who has the hero of the previous Ashes, has turned zero. This was on a length and outside off, Bell late cuts it uppishly to gully, where Warner completes a razor-sharp grab. The Aussies are cock-a-hoop. Bell c Warner b R Harris 16(19) [4s-1 6s-1]

9.2

Ryan Harris to Ian Bell

0

no run, length ball just a shade outside off, Bell pats it to cover sans much feet movement

9.1

Ryan Harris to Ian Bell

0

no run, good length ball with a smidge of away swing just outside off, cautiously defended by Bell

Ryan Harris [3.0-1-5-0] is back into the attack

Ryan Harris replaces Mitch..

End of over 9 ( 0 Runs )

ENG 33/1

Michael Carberry* 9(26)

Ian Bell 16(16)

8.6

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, tight delivery delivery homing in on off, Carberry acknowledges it with a forward block

maiden over bowled by Peter Siddle

8.5

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, 134.9 short and well outside off, Carbs offers no stroke

8.4

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, back of a length and tailing in this time, Carbs misses the defence and cops a mild blow on his waist

8.3

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, pitched up and swerving away outside off, Carbs lets it pass to the keeper

8.2

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, calmly shoulders arms to this one outside off

8.1

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, meanwhile Carberry continues to be fidgety, pokes at one outside off, which is rising, is beaten

End of over 8 ( 12 Runs )

ENG 33/1

Ian Bell* 16(16)

Michael Carberry 9(20)

7.6

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

6

SIX, What a shot! The slash over third man who was there for the catch. Intentionally hit by Bell who went over Lyon's head, who was back-pedalling to take the catch. Short from Johnson and Bell latched on. Positive stroke from England's No. 3

7.5

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, gets forward and defends to cover, looks for the quick single, not there

7.4

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, shoulders arms to one that is outside off

7.3

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

4

FOUR, fine cut shot. Bell riding the bounce and chopping past point, was on the hop as he played it

7.2

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, fuller and angled across, left alone

7.1

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

2

2 runs, on off stump, dabbed with an open face past point for a couple of runs

End of over 7 ( 7 Runs )

ENG 21/1

Michael Carberry* 9(20)

Ian Bell 4(10)

6.6

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, did Carberry play at that? Looked like it as he played inside the line to one outside off. Good probing bowling from Siddle who is persisting with the outside off line

6.5

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, good length on the stumps, defended forward

6.4

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, great take by Haddin, diving to his right as Siddle went down leg

6.3

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

0

no run, beaten! Carberry pushed forward to defend and the ball held it's line to miss the edge

6.2

Peter Siddle to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, short outside off, Carberry rocks back and cuts hard, finds the gap and the ball goes away to the fence. Nice stroke that

6.1

Peter Siddle to Ian Bell

3

3 runs, short and outside off, Bell rocks back and goes over cover, was in the air, but intentionally played

Peter Siddle, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

End of over 6 ( 2 Runs )

ENG 14/1

Michael Carberry* 5(15)

Ian Bell 1(9)

5.6

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

0

no run, pitched up outside off, left alone

5.5

Mitchell Johnson to Michael Carberry

0

no run, short and down leg, Carberry gets inside the line and lets it go

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

no run, angled in from round the wicket, the outside edge is elicited and squirts down the pitch

End of over 4 ( 0 Runs )

ENG 11/1

Ian Bell* 0(6)

Michael Carberry 4(6)

3.6

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, bouncer whizzing past the nose of Bell, who sways out of the way

maiden over bowled by Mitchell Johnson

3.5

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, reverts to the short length of the spectrum, wide outside off as well, Bell goes for a fancy ramp only to make a hash of it as the ball sails into the keeper's gloves

3.4

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, pitched up and nipping away outside off, luring Bell into a drive, Bell resists and says No, thank you

3.3

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, similar length and on off, Bell comes on the front foot and offers a forward defence

3.2

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, good length ball on off, Bell presses forward and bunts it to cover

3.1

Mitchell Johnson to Ian Bell

0

no run, 146.7kph short of a length nasty delivery on the body, Bell wears it on his glove. Phew! That must be painful. Bell is ready to resume though

End of over 3 ( 4 Runs )

ENG 11/1

Michael Carberry* 4(6)

Ian Bell 0(0)

2.6

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, Carbs shoulders arms to this good length delivery outside the off-stump

2.5

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

4

FOUR, overpitched and around off, Carberry gets forward and laces it through the covers, fine shot to get off the mark

2.4

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, pitched up but well wide outside off to induce a stroke

2.3

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, back of a length outside off, left well alone

2.2

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, sliding down leg, careless from Carbs as he waves at it and misses. Carberry must be nervous, he is on a pair and his Test career is hanging in the balance

2.1

Ryan Harris to Michael Carberry

0

no run, length ball outside off, Carbs shoulders arms wisely

Ian Bell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

End of over 2 ( 6 Runs )

ENG 7/1

Alastair Cook* 7(12)

Michael Carberry 0(0)

1.6

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

W

out Caught by Haddin!! Mitchell Johnson strikes early. Cook is gone cheaply again, he looks utterly broken. Must admit that poke was as loose as a goose. This was slightly back of a length and in the channel of uncertainty, Cook hangs his bat out and looks to withdraw it belatedly but it's all too late as the outside edge is grazed and Haddin makes no mistake. Mitch, who is pumped up is mobbed by his team-mates. Cook c Haddin b Johnson 7(12) [4s-1]

1.5

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

2

2 runs, back of a length and just outside off, Cook stands tall and punches it through covers for a couple

1.4

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

0

no run, Mitch shortens his length slightly outside off, Cook shoulders arms for the third straight time

1.3

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

0

no run, keeps it full and holding its line outside off, another one left well alone

1.2

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

0

no run, fullish teaser just outside off with some away nibble as well, Cook lets it pass to the keeper

1.1

Mitchell Johnson to Alastair Cook

4

FOUR, short and outside off-stump, Cook does not flinch as he rocks back and nails the pull to the deep square leg fence